Blacksburg, Virginia: natural disaster risk
How exposed Blacksburg is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Montgomery County.
Blacksburg is a city of 45,446 people in Montgomery County, Virginia. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Montgomery County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, cold wave and earthquake, with about $16.6 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 514 storm reports in the county since 1965, including 5 tornadoes and 100 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 0 hurricanes and 6 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.5% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Montgomery County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Blacksburg
Full Montgomery County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $11M | |
| Cold wave | $2M | |
| Earthquake | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $457K | |
| Tornado | $363K | |
| Lightning | $348K | |
| Drought | $247K | |
| Hail | $220K | |
| Hurricane | $165K | |
| Winter weather | $137K | |
| Landslide | $70K | |
| Ice storm | $28K |
Homes in Blacksburg
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Montgomery County
Other cities in Virginia
All ›Common questions about Blacksburg
Is Blacksburg safe from natural disasters?
Blacksburg is in Montgomery County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, cold wave, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Blacksburg?
By expected yearly losses in Montgomery County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), cold wave (Moderate), earthquake (Low). Montgomery County has been part of 22 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Blacksburg get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 5 tornadoes in Montgomery County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on March 30, 1987. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Blacksburg?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Montgomery County, about 0.5% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.